RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Botulinum Toxin for Salivary Disorders in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer
JF Anticancer Research
JO Anticancer Res
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 6627
OP 6632
VO 34
IS 11
A1 STEFFEN, ARMIN
A1 HASSELBACHER, KATRIN
A1 HEINRICHS, SABRINA
A1 WOLLENBERG, BARBARA
YR 2014
UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/34/11/6627.abstract
AB Background/Aim: During the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), salivary problems may impair a patient's healing process. Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is accepted as an effective treatment option for reducing salivary flow. We aimed to describe the features of patients treated with BoNT to determine the effects of BoNT. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients over a five-year period were retrospectively included. The patients suffered at different stages of oncologic treatment. The cohort primarily had larger primary tumors that required complex oncological treatment. Results: The condition improved in more than three quarters of the 19 patients with functional hypersalivation. Four of six cases suffering from a salivary fistula demonstrated an obvious reduction in symptoms. Conclusions: Injection of BoNT, to temporarily reduce saliva flow, is a safe tool in the treatment of HNC even in situations involving repeated therapy or high dosage. The main clinical side-effect of BoNT is insufficient reduction of the salivary problem.